Falcons outlook: Matt Ryan is 6-1 against the Bucs, but he’s coming off a five-INT performance against the Cardinals. It hurt that WR Julio Jones played just 35 snaps; he remains questionable for Sunday. Tampa Bay, however, ranks last in pass defense (312.6 yards per game), so look for Ryan to bounce back strong. Atlanta’s biggest concern is stopping the run; the Falcons are missing “fits” and missing tackles when they’re in position to make them. Arizona’s LaRod Stephens-Howling had runs of 40 and 52 yards against the Falcons, becoming the third back (along with Willis McGahee and Alfred Morris) to go over 100 yards rushing against them. And Bucs rookie Doug Martin is a much better player than those three. LB Sean Weatherspoon’s return from an ankle injury would help Atlanta greatly.

Falcons’ key injuries:

— WR Julio Jones (ankle) questionable

— S Charles Mitchell (calf) questionable

— CB Asante Samuel (arm) questionable

— LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) questionable

Buccaneers outlook: Tampa has scored an NFL-best 205 points over its last six games, winning and covering five times, and currently is tied with Minnesota and Seattle for the No. 6 playoff seed. QB Josh Freeman has thrown 16 TDs against three INTs in the six-game span. Rookie RB Doug Martin leads the NFL with 1,319 yards from scrimmage (1,000 rushing). Tampa ranks first against the run and last against the pass and gives up 23.0 points per game, which ranks 17th. The last seven Bucs games have played OVER the total.

Buccaneers' key injuries:

— CB Eric Wright (Achilles tendon) doubtful

What The Linemakers are saying: We are big believers in the Buccaneers and think they'll get the win here, putting them in good position to start talking playoffs. They have won and covered their past four games, with all four going OVER the total. This is a major step up in class from what the Bucs have faced during their incredible run, but we like them to step up and make it five in a row.